Ebola Virus
(Ebola
Haemorrhagic Fever)
Travel Health

Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever SymptomsThe Ebola virus has a varied incubation period of anywhere between a few days to three weeks, when symptoms begin they often do so abruptly and can include:

Fever

Joint and muscle aches and pain

Headache

Lethargy

Sore throat.

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

Rash

Weakness

Internal and external bleeding

Later symptoms can include:

Red and sore eyes

Bleeding from eyes, nose and ears.

Rash covering most of the body.

Skin sensitivity

Shock

Coma

Cause Of Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever
Haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease caused by the Ebola virus.
There are four main types of Ebola virus each named after their place of discovery; Ebola-Zaire, Ebola-Ivory Coast, Ebola-Sudan and Ebola-Reston, the virus also affects non humans with high death rates in chimpanzees, gorillas and monkeys.

The disease is easily spread through close contact with someone that is infected via body secretions or blood so great care must be taken when in an Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever area.

Areas Affected By Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever
Areas in central Africa such as Uganda, Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Testing For Ebola Haemorrhagic FeverDiagnosing for the Ebola virus on symptoms alone is difficult, because they are so similar to many other illnesses. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test (ELISA) is usually performed on a blood sample.

Treatment For Ebola Haemorrhagic FeverEbola Haemorrhagic Fever has a high mortality rate and prompt diagnosis, treatment of symptoms and isolation is essential to prevent further spread of the virus.

There is no specific treatment other than closely monitoring the patients symptoms and treating accordingly often with fluid therapy.

How To Help Prevent Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever
There is no vaccine available for the disease, all those infected are placed in isolation and all equipment thoroughly sterilised to prevent the disease from further spreading. Anyone coming into contact with an infected person should take precautions such as wearing protective clothing such as a mask and gloves.